THE Aurora Borealis - better known as the Northern Lights - were visible in parts of Herefordshire last night.

Professional photographer Ian Collins captured the rare sight from Pixley.

Ian said it was possible to see the display, which is caused by electrically charged particles from the Sun entering the Earth's atmosphere, with the naked eye.

He added: β€œIt was so rare to see the display this far south and with such detail. The display peaked around 10pm and for a very short time erupted into red and green glowing filaments.”

Ian, who is running a day photography course at the Trumpet Tea Rooms and gallery on April 13, has posted more of his pictures on his website at http://www.icpic.co.uk and www.facebook.com/iancollinsphotography